Romans 10:17

This verse summarizes the thought of Romans 10:14-16. The word "of" Christ could mean the word from Him, namely, the message that He has sent us to proclaim (Romans 10:15). [Note: Cranfield, 2:537.] It could also refer to the message concerning Christ (Romans 10:9). Both meanings could have been in Paul’s mind. In either case the gospel is in view.

"What faith really is, in biblical language, is receiving the testimony of God. It is the inward conviction that what God says to us in the gospel is true. That-and that alone-is saving faith." [Note: Hodges, Absolutely Free! p. 31. Cf. pp. 37-43.]